The world of sport is congratulating Tom Daley for having the courage to speak openly for the first time about being in a same-sex relationship and the Olympic diver says he’s been “overwhelmed” by the public’s reaction.

British Swimming chief executive David Sparks commended the diver: “Everybody within British Swimming supports Tom and his announcement. It’s a very private matter and doesn’t change the very positive way in which we will continue to work with Tom.

“Tom is one of the world’s leading athletes and has achieved success at every level of competition including Olympic bronze and world gold.

“I hope the media will give Tom the privacy he deserves to allow him to continue to focus on performance as he continues to be an inspiration and role model to millions around the globe.”

Former basketball player John Amaechi, who came out as gay three years after retiring as a professional NBA player in 2007, told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s important. What he’s done is clearly connected with a lot of young people who are not always impacted, and he did it in such a way – personal, intimate, handheld with a camera on Youtube – that is acceptable to the masses and was very authentic, which is very important.

“He’s one of those people. He’s an entertainer as well as being a sportsperson as well as being a personality. He’s an important role model for the LGBT community.”